10 Most Common Toxins In The Human Body
Over a lifetime (or in the case of an ecological disaster, an alarmingly short time), the human body assimilates a number of toxins. Some of these are in such trace amounts that we really needn’t worry about them, but it is still wise to avoid as many toxins in the diet and the environment as possible. Here are ten of the most common toxins found in human blood and cells:
Free Radicals
These are the toxic waste products of the process of oxidation within our bodies. Oxidation (like rust on iron) is what causes the deterioration of cells, like a bruised apple when it goes brown and mushy. This goes on at a cellular level within the human body and accelerates the aging process.
The effects of free radicals can be reduced by the consumption of anti-oxidant-rich red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, along with increasing our exercise and eating less.
Mercury
The commonest sources of Mercury are amalgam fillings and the eating of large marine fish such as tuna. Mercury is implicated in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, heart failure, irregular heartbeat and even some cancers. There is debate as to whether it is worthwhile to have amalgam fillings removed and replaced. Similarly, the health benefits of eating oily marine fish should be weighed carefully against the risks of mercury consumption.
Sugar
Refined sugar is known as “the white death”. We all know it’s bad for us, that it contains calories without nutrients. Too much of it can cause insulin resistance, diabetes. The answer is simple; eat less white sugar.
Caffeine
Many people enjoy caffeinated drinks and find that they give them a much-needed “high” in times of fatigue. Don’t forget that caffeine is quite a powerful drug and taking yourself off it can cause quite severe withdrawal symptoms. Some people are “allergic” to caffeine and it can cause irrational mood swings and exacerbation of PMS, even heartbeat irregularities. Best to wean yourself off it.
C-Reactive Protein
Perhaps it is wrong to consider this a toxin in itself, but its presence in the blood is an indicator of inflammation in the body. A high reading of C-Reactive Protein in the blood can indicate a propensity to heart attack. It is elevated by infections, inflammatory conditions, insulin resistance, and certain hormones such as those in the contraceptive pill or HRT. It is thought that a preventative dose of aspirin may be effective in reducing the level of C-Reactive Protein.
Cholesterol
A buildup of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol in the blood is implicated in heart disease via hardening of the arteries. Avoid high cholesterol by eating less saturated fats, exercising regularly, eating supplements rich in plant sterols or (as a last resort) Statins (prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs).
Cortisol
This is produced by the body at times of worry and stress, therefore it is commonly called the stress hormone. Eliminate cortisol by exercising, laughing, relaxing, enjoying a hobby and not allowing your own personal stresses to fester and thrive within you!
Pesticides
We encounter these in our own gardens (unless we garden totally organically) and on most bought fruits and vegetables. At least trace amounts are probably found in most people’s bodies. Either buy organic or make sure you thoroughly wash any fruit and veg you buy.
Dioxins
These are unwanted byproducts of heating processes and can increase cancer risks. They are suspected as contributory factors in diabetes, low sperm counts and behavioral problems. They are everywhere so it is hard to avoid them on an individual level. Buying organic produce and avoiding saturated animal fats (which tend to harbor dioxins) may help.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid. It can contribute to the risks of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, furring of the arteries, toxicity in pregnancy, or even birth defects.
Its build-up can be caused by kidney disease, genetics or vitamin deficiencies. Supplementation of Vitamins B12, B6 and Folic Acid may be wise. These vitamins enable the conversion of homocysteine into less dangerous amino-acids in the body.
We are all exposed to toxins in the environment and our food over our lifetimes. Some are easy to avoid, others less so. Clean living and regular detox programs are probably the best we can do to avoid overexposure to toxins.
Sid McCarthy
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/10-most-common-toxins-in-the-human-body-114820.html
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November 18 2009 03:14 pm | Body Toxins
November 18th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Question about Dioxins + Bleached Paper Towels + Clothes Washing, help please?
While I doubt anything short of a scientific study could conclusively answer this question, just answer to the best of your knowledge.
Paper Towels – even white ones – are colored via a bleaching process which involves chlorine, thereby contaminating the end product with a toxin known as "dioxin," which, besides being responsible for what made Agent Orange such a nightmare, is a very potent toxin that bioaccumulates in the human body – and poisons it.
More or less, the quantity of dioxins in common household items like toilet paper, paper towels, tampons, etc. is considered negligible.
And I’m probably being a hypochrondriac here, but I’m asking the following more in curiosity as to the permeability and property of dioxins than out of any kind of fear or trepidation.
A few paper towels found their way into my washing machine with my clothes. By the end of the washing process, they were of course torn to shreds and jumbled up in and around the clothes. Could the washing process have pulled the dioxins from the paper towels, and in turn mixed them in with the clothes and saturated all of the fibers?
And if so, is this nothing that another wash couldn’t fix, by pulling the embedded dioxins back out of the fibers? Or are they forevermore lodged in the fibers, just waiting to subsequently enter and build up in whomever wears the clothes?
November 18th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
You`re just hysteric. Dioxins dont "leech" out of paper products so you dont have anything to fear. Believe it or not all paper products are washed before being dried and then sold.
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